Food products recalled by Kabob's Acquisition

The company is recalling approximately 44,850 pounds of raw intact, heat treated, not ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible E. coli O121 contamination

Kabob's Acquisition, Inc., a Lake City, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 44,850 pounds of raw intact and heat treated, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with E. coli O121, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced July 8.

The not ready-to-eat meat and poultry hors d’oeuvres items were produced on various dates between Dec. 8, 2015, and Jan. 15, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 6640” or “P-6640” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to hotel, restaurant, and institutional locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when a supplier notified Kabob’s Acquisition, Inc. that flour sold to the establishment was recalled by General Mills due to possible association with a multi-state Escherichia coli O121 illness outbreak. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these Kabob’s Acquisition, Inc. products.

Many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), such as STEC O121 because it is harder to identify than STEC O157. People can become ill from STECs 2–8 days (average of 3–4 days) after consuming the organism. Most people infected with STEC O121 develop diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended.

Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is uncommon with STEC O121 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.